Republican Kathryn Pruitt is the only candidate listed for Collin County’s 494th District Court in the certified Nov. 3, 2026, ballot.
Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Pruitt on Sept. 12, 2024, to a term ending Dec. 31, 2026, or when a successor qualifies. She is seeking election to the position she currently holds.
Legal background
The governor’s announcement identifies Pruitt as board certified in family law and a former owner and managing member of Pruitt Law Group. It lists a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from South Texas College of Law. The reviewed official biography does not support the additional biology degree listed in the original draft.
The court’s work
The state judicial directory describes the court’s caseload as focused on family matters. Its rulings can affect disputes involving divorce, children and family obligations within its jurisdiction.
A district judge manages proceedings and applies statutes, constitutional requirements and binding precedent. The office does not give its holder authority to enact statewide policy or independently change the court’s statutory jurisdiction.
Campaign information
No current, detailed spending proposal or implementation plan was verified for this profile. Claims about awards, a lengthy employment chronology and specific questionnaire answers have been omitted where the reviewed primary records did not establish them.
This profile uses the certified ballot, the governor’s appointment announcement and the state judicial directory.
The Murphy-Wylie-Sachse Courier did not receive a direct questionnaire response from the candidate and does not endorse candidates.
